Construction Of An Open Steam Distillation Column
The construction of an open steam distillation column involves the assembly of essential components to facilitate the separation of volatile compounds from a mixture based on their boiling points. This process is crucial in various industries such as essential oil extraction and purification of organic compounds. Key components include a boiler to generate steam, a distillation column with packing material to enhance vapor-liquid contact, a condenser to cool and condense the vaporized compounds, and a receiver to collect the distillate. Additionally, precise control mechanisms for temperature, pressure, and flow rate are essential for efficient operation. Proper insulation and material selection, considering factors like heat transfer and corrosion resistance, are vital for durability and performance. Regular maintenance and adherence to safety protocols are imperative to ensure optimal functionality and prevent hazards associated with high temperatures and pressure.
We constructed an open steam distillation column with the following specifications:-
FOR THE COLUMN
Height of column = 500mm
Length of pot = 50mm
Diameter of pot = 5mm
FOR THE STILL
Port of thickness = 500mm
Length of pot = 300mm
Diameter of pot = 100mm
FOR THE CONDESER
Condenser thickness = 2mm
Diameter of the connecting = 20mm
Pipe =
Length of pot = 200mm
Diameter of pot = 2mm
Generally, the material used in the construction (open steam distillation column) was mild steel sheet and galvanized sheet.
Title page
Letter of transmittal
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of contents
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 literature review
2.1 Distillation processes
2.1.1 Binary distillation
2.1.2 Multi component distillation
2.2 Distillation unit
2.2.1 The batch distillation unit
2.2.2 Simple batch distillation unit
2.2.3 Batch distillation unit with pacification
2.2.4 Continuous distillation unit
CHAPTER THREE
3.1 Properties and selection of material for construction
3.2 Effect of temperature on the mechanical properties
3.1.2 Corrosion and erfosion resistance
3.1.3 Economic consideration (cost)
3.1.4 Contamination
3.1.5 Selection of materials
CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 Fabrication procedure
4.2 Marking out
4.2.1 The column
4.2.2 The condenser
4.2.3 The boiler
4.2.4 The stand
4.2.5 The connection pipes
4.3 Diagrams
CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION
CHAPTER SIX
Conclusion/recommendations
References
Appendices/costing
Tables
INTRODUCTION
Distillation is a separating technique in which two liquids are separated at essentially the same temperature and pressure. It is also the term used to describe the operation where the vaporization of a liquid mixture yields a vapor phase containing more than one constituents and it is desired to recover one or more of this constituents in a nearly pure state.
It would probably be beneficial to define the terms that describe the process and related properties. Let us begin by describing the process by which a substance transformed from the condensed phase to the gas phase. For liquid, this process is called VAPORIZATION and for a solid it is called SUBMIATIN, both processes requires heat. All substances regardless whether they are liquids or solids are characterized by a vapor pressure. The vapor pressure of a pure substance is the pressure exerted by the substance against the external pressure which is usually atmospheric pressure. Vapor pressure is a measure of the tendency to escape. When the vapor pressure of a liquid substance reaches the external pressure the substance is observed to Boil. If the external pressure is atmospheric pressure, the temperature at which a pure substance boils is called the NORMAL BOILING POINT. Solid substances are not characterized by a similar phenomena called BOILING. They simply vaporize directly into the atmosphere.
Generally speaking, distillation, stripping, absorption, humidification are industrial stage wise operations which involves the contact of two phases in various apparatus. Completion of separation depends upon certain properties of components involved and the arrangement of the distillation process.
The properties involved are:
– Mode of temperature and process control
– The relative volatility between the liquid and vapor phases
– The production capacity of the distiller
– The type of distillation involved
However, the importance of distillation in commercial process is the purification of a large variety of material and petroleum industries. It is applied in the production of hot drinks in chemical industries. Also, applied in oil companies for the separation of petroleum into its various components e.g kerosene, diesel, gasoline, petrol, fuel, oil, lubricating oil, paraffin wax, aliphatic etc. Lastly, it is equally applied in pharmaceutical industries for the production of ethylated spirits and many other medical strubs.
Construction Of An Open Steam Distillation Column:
Constructing an open steam distillation column involves setting up a simple distillation apparatus to separate a volatile component from a non-volatile one using steam. Open steam distillation is often used in the extraction of essential oils from plant materials or for purifying certain organic compounds. Here’s a step-by-step guide to building such a column:
Materials You’ll Need:
Boiling Flask: A round-bottomed or flat-bottomed glass flask to hold the mixture you want to distill.
Steam Generator: A heat source (e.g., a Bunsen burner) and a glass or metal container (steam generator) to produce steam.
Distillation Column: A vertical glass tube, usually packed with glass beads or Raschig rings, to enhance the separation of components.
Condenser: A glass tube that connects to the top of the distillation column. It will condense the vapor back into a liquid.
Cooling Water Supply: Tubing and a water source to circulate cold water through the condenser to facilitate condensation.
Receiving Flask: A separate container to collect the distillate.
Clamps and Stand: To hold and secure the apparatus in place.
Steps to Construct the Open Steam Distillation Column:
Set Up the Steam Generator: Place your steam generator on a heat source (e.g., Bunsen burner) and add water to it. Heat the water to produce steam. The steam will carry the volatile component from the boiling flask into the distillation column.
Assemble the Apparatus: Assemble the distillation apparatus by attaching the boiling flask to the distillation column. Make sure it’s tightly sealed.
Connect the Condenser: Attach the condenser to the top of the distillation column. Ensure a good seal between the column and condenser.
Position the Receiving Flask: Place the receiving flask at the other end of the condenser to collect the condensed distillate.
Attach Cooling Water Supply: Connect a source of cold water to the condenser. The water should enter from the bottom and exit from the top of the condenser. This flow will help condense the vapor.
Secure the Apparatus: Use clamps and a stand to secure the entire apparatus in place, ensuring that it’s stable and won’t tip over during the distillation process.
Start the Steam Distillation: Begin heating the boiling flask. As the mixture in the flask heats up, the volatile component will vaporize and mix with the steam. The vapor will rise up the column and into the condenser, where it will be condensed back into a liquid.
Collect the Distillate: The condensed liquid will drip down from the condenser into the receiving flask. Collect the distillate, which should contain the separated volatile component.
Monitor and Adjust: Maintain a steady rate of heating and ensure that the cooling water supply to the condenser remains cold. Adjust the heat source as needed to control the distillation process.
Complete the Distillation: Continue the distillation until you’ve collected the desired amount of distillate or until the volatile component has been effectively separated.
Remember to work in a well-ventilated area, as some substances being distilled may release harmful fumes. Additionally, always use appropriate safety equipment like lab coats, gloves, and safety goggles when working with chemicals or high-temperature apparatus.